SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE TRUST
LIFE ENHANCEMENT AND THE YEARS AHEAD
BY DEAN LAWRENCE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER A
new year and new challenges ahead for 2012 present a good opportunity to flag to readers what is in store for the Spirit of Adventure Trust for 2012, and to take an early look at an exciting time in 2013. In 2010 the Spirit of New Zealand underwent part one of her life enhancement programme aimed at ensuring the ship's life extends out to 2036, some 50 years after her initial construction. Work undertaken in 2010 which has been featured in earlier articles focused around the installation of a new 670hp Yanmar 6AYM engine and the shaft, propeller and associated systems that go with installing a new engine. Other work included spars, rigging and ancillary works. Last year the Spirit underwent a more modest annual survey and refit, mainly aimed at maintaining the current infrastructure but incorporating a new galley upgrade which has proven to be very successful. The main shrouds and ratlines were also replaced. This has allowed the final planning and budgets to be put together for part two of the programme, which will take place late this year.
This refit will again take approximately three months, so we are operating a very compressed sailing schedule this year. The completion will see her well-positioned for the next 25 years. Following her refit, on-going annual maintenance will ensure she is maintained in first class condition.
The accompanying diagram provides an overview of what is being planned for this year, along with a brief description of the work. The budget at this stage indicates the project will cost between $1.25-1.5 million, but these costs will be firmed up in the coming months. While 2010 primarily focused on the new engine installation, 2012 is more wide-ranging, covering almost every area of the ship.
Raising the required funding for the refit will be a challenge
in these tight economic times, but it must be done to ensure her longevity and the on-going delivery of the youth programmes. Concurrent to her upkeep, the Spirit of Adventure Trust Foundation continues its dedicated work towards her eventual replacement in 2036. Initial planning based on the current ship will see a capital requirement (based on today's costs) of around $44 million.
This year marks 40 years since the Spirit of Adventure Trust was formed and held its first trust board meeting, with the original ship, the Spirit of Adventure, entering service in 1973. This year will mark the 40th anniversary of the trust with a number of small functions around New Zealand as a precursor to the major events in 2013.
This is a really simple outline of the ship. The colours show where we'll be investing funds to keep the Spirit of New Zealand in top condition for the next 25 years. Visit www.spiritofadventure.org.nz for more information about the Life Enhancement Project.
SKIPPER SCHOLARSHIP
In association with the Spirit of Adventure Trust, Professional Skipper magazine offers readers the opportunity to nominate young men and women for two introductory ten-day youth development voyage, that may lead to a Spirit cadetship for inshore masters qualifications.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT KEITH. Email: keith@skipper.co.nz Phone 09 5334336 or write to the editor c/- of this magazine.
62 Professional Skipper March/April 2012
Once the life enhancement programme is completed, the Spirit of New Zealand will return to South Island ports in 2013 for the first time since 2003. We will couple this with our main 40th anniversary celebrations, culminating in a possible trip to Australia to meet up with other tall ships from around the world for the Australian naval fleet review. There's plenty of planning still to be completed, but if the event goes ahead, we will sail back to Auckland in October 2013 as part of a congregation of tall ships from around the world. One of those tall ships is from the Jubilee Sail Training organisation in the United Kingdom, which is planning to send the Tenacious. This tall ship has been specifically designed to be manned by both able and disabled crews. It's an exciting two years ahead for the trust and all who sail with us.
See www.spiritofadventure.org.nz and www.jst.org.uk
